Central Coast Mariners supporters can book their place on one of the club’s supporter buses when details are confirmed. Standby for an update.

A match against the NPL 1 outfit will offer Mike Mulvey’s Mariners an invaluable hit out just weeks before Hyundai A-League Round 1.

The trip to Wollongong will offer a homecoming for three of the current Mariner players in Josh Macdonald, Corey Gameiro and Jordan Murray.

Josh Macdonald is an Unanderra Hearts junior and was playing for the Wollongong Wolves before signing with the Mariners. Corey Gameiro has also featured for the Wolves and spent time as a junior with Lake Heights FC and Port Kembla FC. Not to mention Jordan Murray who climbed the junior ranks at Bulli FC and Russell Vale Junior FC before also playing for the Wolves.

Wolves’ Head Coach, Luke Wilkshire welcomes the Mariners with open arms and spoke highly of the opportunity for his players.

“This is a great opportunity to get an A-League team down here in Wollongong,” Wilkshire said. “Anyone from Wollongong is really passionate about the region so I am sure that the Wollongong boys who play for the Mariners will be looking forward to playing in their home town. There will be plenty of football fans in Wollongong who will be keen to see some of our former players who have made that step into the A-League.

“The game is a great showcase for football in Wollongong and for the region to show everyone how passionate we are about football.

“For our players who play in NPL 1, this is a chance to step up and show that they can match it with players in the A-League. It will be a really good test for them and we’re really looking forward to it.

“Playing at WIN Stadium on a Friday night is perfect, so it will be a great night for football in Wollongong,” Wilkshire said.